3 replies to this topic

[PBK]

There isnt much info about nothonotus darter captive breeding. Has anyone succeeded?

[Matt DeLaVega]

I don't know of much out there either. I am a big fan of all Nothonotus. Not sure what it is about them, but I like em. Bluebreast are the best example of the clade.

[littlen]

Breeding?  Yes.  Successful recruitment of offspring?  No.  I was lucky enough on March 23rd of 2016 to catch a pair spawning in my 150 community.  (Pics below).  The tank was in the living room which had lots of ambient light from a XL bay window.  There was a tank light which may have been on from maybe 3-9PM?  (Not exactly sure.  Was only for 'viewing during prime hours').  The tank was chilled year round to 66-67F.  I attribute the success to the natural/ambient light signaling the arrival of Spring.  Since the tank temps were consistent all year, it was less likely to have been a factor as there wasn't a cool down and gradual warming.

Warning: Poor quality, gratuitous, whoopie-making photos below....

 

They spawned under the butt-end of a piece of driftwood.

 Spawning site.png   191.68KB   2 downloads

 

The male approaches.  The females broadside can be seen under the log.

 Male approach.png   242.57KB   2 downloads

 

The act.  (This is actually a still from a video where he's doing his 'shimmy' next to her).

 Breeding.png   243.81KB   2 downloads

 

Eggs.  Gone the next day.  There were a lot of other darters in this tank that made quick work of them.

 Eggs.jpg   81.46KB   2 downloads

 

I would have loved to pull the eggs and raised the young but didn't have the time and resources to do so.  Hopefully the vague info above can get you started.

[PBK]

Thanks for the info...you got the touch.